The Lassen County Resource Advisory Committee is now accepting proposals for projects that help protect, restore, enhance and benefit National Forest System lands in Lassen County. Project applications must be completed and submitted electronically to the USDA Forest website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/pts/specialprojects/racweb
Completed project applications must be submitted by no later than 5:00p.m. on Friday, August 18th, 2017.
Selected projects will be funded under Title II of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. With the recent revival of the LCRAC, approximately $280,000 was carried over from the 2015/2016 project cycle and has been made available to the county. Projects may start in 2018 and may be carried out over a five year period.
Funding for projects approved by the Lassen National Forest Supervisor must be obligated by September 30th, 2018.
Submitted project proposals will be reviewed at an upcoming public LCRAC meeting, which has been tentatively scheduled for Thursday, August 31st, 2017 from 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. located at the Lassen National Forest, Forest Supervisor’s Office, 2550 Riverside Drive, Susanville, CA.
Any changes to the date and time or will published in future news releases and in the Federal Register as required. Project representatives should plan to attend to present their projects and be prepared to answer questions about their proposal from the committee.
Eligible projects are those that provide benefits to National Forest System lands in Lassen County. Successful proposals will perform:
Road, trail access, and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration.
Soil health and productivity improvement.
Improvement in forest ecosystem health and productivity.
Watershed restoration, preservation and maintenance.
Restoration, maintenance, and improvement of wildlife and fish habitat.
Control of noxious and exotic weeds.
Re-establishment of native species.
Encourage sustainable recreation opportunities.
Other (i.e. fire prevention, integrated pest management etc.).
Each project proposal will be evaluated by: how cost-effective it is and to what extent partners are involved, how the project improves the quality of human life including any employment opportunities, and how many benefits accrue to ecosystem health. Examples of past projects include: environmental education programs, such as the Lassen Land and Trails Trust’s partnership with local schools and summer camp; water quality monitoring activities; invasive weed eradication; and recreation and trails projects.
The primary location for projects is intended to be in Lassen County within the Lassen National Forest (and smaller portions of the Plumas and Modoc National Forests); however, projects may also be located on non-federal lands within Lassen County. Such off-forest projects will still need to demonstrate a benefit to the National Forest.
All applicants are encouraged to discuss their proposal and have the support of the affected District Ranger or Forest Supervisor in advance of submitting their application to ensure it is viable and meets eligibility requirements. For example:Â All project proposals for on-the-ground work may require a certain level of environmental analysis before work can begin. The local Forest unit can help provide information and technical assistance on those requirements.
Those interested in proposing projects are encouraged to refer to the Lassen National Forest Resource Advisory Committee Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/lassen/workingtogether/advisorycommittees
Additional information concerning Title II projects is available at the USDA Forest Service website: www.fs.usda.gov/pts/
Once the review of proposals is completed, the committee will recommend projects for funding by September 30th, 2017. For more information please contact Matt Boisseau, RAC Coordinator at (530) 768-4109 or [email protected].
